Government & Community Relations Coordinator

Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Government Community Relations Coordinator plays an integral role in coordinating day-to-day and larger strategic government and community relations activities for the Alliance, including working with community-based organizations on initiatives of importance to the park and larger community, responding to queries from the public, coordinating community meetings and activities, and providing support for the Alliance’s work with elected officials, including activities and events connected to city-funded projects. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Communications External Relation and is an integral part of the department’s functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY JOB OUTCOMES

• Serve as liaison between Prospect Park Alliance and community-based organizations, city agencies and park patrons
• Develop ideas as a thought partner to senior leadership and lead the implementation of the Alliance strategic Community Government Relations plan, including Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives to better connect communities in the stewardship of the park
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with the staff of civic leaders, government officials and community-based organizations to further the organization's community and government relations goals
• Coordinate the activities of the Prospect Park Community Committee, a group of civic organizations that help steer the Alliance's work in the park, including meeting planning, speaking points, brainstorming session facilitation, meeting minutes and communications to members
• Respond to queries from the public, and assist in resolving issues that come to the attention of Prospect Park Alliance from community members, park patrons, and elected officials 
• Develop proper protocols for responding to queries from the public, and create reports for senior leadership to advise on key concerns from park patrons
• Coordinate the planning and logistics of community meetings, workshops, and other events, including: scheduling, preparing agendas, speaking points and meeting minutes, and other needs 
• Support the Alliance's government relations and lobbying work, including preparing testimony for public hearings, speaking remarks for rallies and events involving elected officials, and presentations and support documents for lobbying requests
• Conduct research and develop reports to support government and community relations activities

                                                              Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Community Relations or other relevant discipline
• 2 -5 year experience, preferably with a community-based nonprofit organization, government agency, or an office of a government or elected official

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

• Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and community engagement combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences and embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions
• Job Specific Knowledge: General knowledge of the workings and structure of New York State and New York City government, the Brooklyn community and community development issues
• Relationship Building: A natural relationship builder and demonstrated capacity to work with a diverse array of government entities, elected officials, policy makers, community organizations and members of the public. Ability to think strategically and build constructive and positive working relationships with both internal stakeholders, and external community and government partners characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual respect. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of personalities including government officials, public figures, community leaders, staff, volunteers and members of the public
• Planning, Organizing: Meticulously well-organized with diligent attention to detail, ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and takes pride in consistently producing accurate, timely and quality work products
• Self-Management: A natural results-driven self-starter. Able to work independently with minimal supervision and takes the initiative to manage time, priorities and the resources to achieve goals  
• Communication Skills: Superior written and oral communication skills. Demonstrates effective listening skills and openness to other people’s ideas and suggestions 
• Focus on Results & Impact: Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and goals. Highly motivated to consistently produce high quality work and achieve desired outcomes, and results.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Committed to working in collaboration with others, promoting cooperation and commitment to others and being a positive team contributor 
• Customer Service: Exhibits a strong commitment to delivering excellent and responsive service to internal and external stakeholders
• Technology: Proficient with automated technologies that support areas of responsibility including G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

COMPENSATION BENEFIT DETAILS

• Job Grade: 6  (Administrative & Park Support)
• Salary Range: $53,000 - $57,500 
• FLSA Status: Non Exempt
• The Alliance offers a comprehensive benefits package including: 
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Supplemental Options: AFLAC, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care FSA Commuter Benefits, Pet Insurance
  • 403b Contributions 2% Employer Contributions
  • 20 Vacation Days 10 Paid Sick Days
  • 13 Paid Holidays (all eligible to float/carryover)

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Requires working occasional evenings and weekends
• Work is normally performed in an interior office setting which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unusual elements 
• Requires use of a desktop, laptop or video display terminal
• Requires routine physical movements with limited physical exertion
• Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading
• correspondence, instructions and/or technical documents; writing correspondence and/or reports and filling in forms

Diversity Makes Us Stronger Together: Prospect Park Alliance serves park users of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and strives to reflect this diversity throughout our operations and in our leadership, staff, stakeholders and supporters. We know that by creating an equitable and inclusive workplace built on mutual respect and the appreciation of difference, our employees will feel safe to express themselves, voice their opinions and work together to find common ground and solutions. Integral to this vision is our longstanding commitment to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.  

Salary : $53,000 - $57,500